Top receiver Michael Crabtree, limited during training camp because of a neck injury, will make his exhibition debut against the Raiders at the Coliseum. Coach Mike Singletary announced Thursday that Crabtree is in line to play about a quarter, give or take.

Aubrayo Franklin won’t play, but ESPN.com reports that the nose tackle is scheduled to arrive in the Bay Area on Saturday to sign his franchise tender. Franklin, one of the keys to the 49ers’ potent run defense, skipped training camp in hopes of working out a multiyear contract.

Instead, a source told ESPN.com, Franklin will undergo a physical and sign his $7,003,000 tender.

Singletary, who spoke respectfully of Franklin during his absence, declined to confirm the report of the Saturday arrival, saying only, “If so, that would be great.”

Singletary said that he remains confident that the ninth-year veteran will report ready for duty, whenever he arrives, saying that, “He’s one of the guys who has done a really, really good job of taking care of himself.”

Crabtree, meanwhile, will be playing for the first time in an exhibition game. He was unsigned through October last season and missed all of training camp.

Against the Raiders, he will be joined on the field by running back Frank Gore, who will play only a series or two. Tight end Vernon Davis (knee) has been ruled out.

Add former San Jose State standout Kevin Jurovich to the list of players who could get an audition as a return man.

Rookie Kyle Williams suffered a toe injury against the Colts during the exhibition opener, and the 49ers have struggled to find an obvious replacement.

Singletary said that Jurovich will be in a mix that still includes Bobby Guillory and rookie cornerback Phillip Adams.

Singletary said it’s a “possibility” that fourth-string quarterback Jarrett Brown would get some playing time against the Raiders.

Daniel Brown is a sports writer for the Bay Area News Group known for his award-winning profiles on subjects ranging from Jerry Rice to Sergio Romo to Taylor Swift. The Cotati native is a graduate of UC Davis.